DESTRUCTIVE FIRES.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5521, 6 December 1878, Page 3

DESTRUCTIVE FIRES.

(PER PRESS AGENCY.) Gisborne, November 18.

On the 16th November, 1877, Gisborne suffered from a terrible fire, and scarcely lias the anniversary passed when another serious conflagration has to be recorded. About a quarter past two o’clock this afternoon the warning notes of the firebell rang out an alarm, and in a very few moments the cry rang throughout tho main street that the fire was down near the water, and a rush was at once made down Head's Quay. It was at once apparent that nothing could be done to savo the bonded and free stores owned by Mr. Adair, as the flames had secured a strong hold of the building. A cry was raised that there was half a ton of gunpowder stored in the building, and this caused many to retire to a respectful distance, but a gallant; few were not to be so easily alarmed, and boldly got the fire engine into position; its services were, however, of little avail, as the jet of water was directed at Morgan’s premises, which, the wind being from the N.W.j were in comparatively little danger. Tho spirits stored in the building once ignited the heat became intense, and no effort could be made to save a portion of the wharf at the end of tho stores. The fire originated in tho stable owned by Mr. George Burnaud, At the time of the flames bursting out Jas. Turner, a carter in the former’s employ, was the last on the premises, and he immediately jumped down and endeavored to turn out the three horses which were in the stables. Two of them he succeeded in getting out, but the third, a fine mare Burnaud had just purchased from P. Kelly for £SO, proved fractious, and was burned to death. Everything being dry, the destructive element gained ground every second, and especially at Adair’s store, which was also in flames, and the wharf subsequently caught. Several of the members of the Rowing Club rushed to the boatsbed aud managed to get out two of the racing gigs, but the building firing rapidly, the third one could not bo rescued. Messrs. Shepherd and Co. had a very large quantity of goods in bond uninsured, amounting, it is said, to £2OOO. There are other heavy losses besides. It is supposed that the stable was ignited by a spark from Morgan’s engine falling on the shingles of tho roof. The wind was blowing so strong that before any water could be obtained the stable was all ablaze, aud Turner, who was in tho loft, barely escaped with hia life. It is impossible, owing to the confusion, to obtain insurances, and the brigade are now at work pouring water ou the smouldering debris. WaipUKURAU, November 16.

A considerable bush fire lias been burning boro to-day, which not only destroyed a lot of bush but also several houses. Alfred Levy’s boot and shoe shop was burnt, and the stock destroyed.

Westport, November 18.

A mysterious fire occurred here early on Sunday morning, destroying a largo building, the property of Messrs,. Hooper and. Dodson, brewers, Nelson. The building was situated next tho Westport Times office. It was occupied as tho offices of tho Koranui Coal Company, and also of the Halcyon Quartz Mining Company, and was the local agency of tho Curator of Intestate Estates. All tho papers connected with the affairs of these offices were destroyed. William Lloyd, the company’s secretary, locked up the building at half-past ten on Saturday night, and asserts that all was then safe. No one lives in tho building, nor had it any fireplace. The buidiug was not insured. The local fire brigade and the citizens saved the adjacent buildings—the Westport Times office, tho Westport Colliery Company’s office, and Carpenter’s fruit store. Tho owner of tho latter suffered some loss through the hurried removal of his effects. An inquiry will be held. The Koranui Coal Company have duplicate plans of their works in the hands of the Government, Timabu, November IG. Intelligence reached town at a late hour of a fire in the Waimate Bush, destroying property in timber and mills to a very large amount, and Mr. Studholme, tho principal owner, estimates his loss at not le-s than £60,000. The mills of Messrs. Obalds, Hayes, Bruce, Bartlett, Hunt, and Barrett aro all destroyed. Several residences were burnt, and many families aro destitute. Great anxiety is felt for a number of persons residing near the bush. It is believed that before tho five abates tho whole bush will bo destroyed. Fifteen families have arrived in tho township who havo been cleared out of house and homo. One man had his leg broken at 11.30 last night. The fire is still raging furiously. November 18. Tho fire at Waimate is still burning. Tho town itself had a narrow escape from destruction, At ouo time the flames were within a quarter of a milo from the town, when tho wind shifted. Tho fire commenced on the top of tho hill, and cleared evei'jthing before it. Studholme, the owner of tho largest mill, had a very narrow escape. Ho was at one time completely surrounded by firo, and was much burnt riding through tho flames. His manager, Mr. Potts, was also burnt. One brave young fellow risked his life to save a woman tad child, and

although much burnt succeeded in his attempt. While galloping through the flames the woman’s dress caught fire, and her legs and body were much scorched. Towards dusk yesterday there was not a single house left standing at the edge of the bush. Very little damage was done to the Maiden Bush. The loss will fall principally on woodcutters, and on the holders of small sections of dry bush, which have been swept. Hayes' large portable engine was saved; his upper mill is expected to be at work in a week. Hunt and Jeffries and Barrett's plants were totally destroyed. The fire brigade and public worked admirably at great personal risk. Eully forty families are homeless aud destitute. At a meeting of the townspeople on Saturday £2-19 was collected in the room. A strong committee was appointed, and it was resolved that the Mayors of Christohuich, Timaru, Oamavu, and Dunedin, be requested to take steps to assist in obtaining relief. Temporary accommodation is being provided for the homeless women and children in the public halls, hospital, &o. The wind is rising again. Studholme’s loss is £40,000, Price's £IOOO, Barrett’s £BOO, and Rickman's £4OOO. £BO,OOO will not cover all .the damage, besides the bush and the mills. A number of persons were severely scorched, and two had limbs broken. Theobald's bush and houses are all destroyed, leaving himself, his wife, and children with nothing. Twenty-seven families are left homeless. Each of these families lose from £IOO upwards. At ’ five o'clock on Saturday afternoon the fire was still raging fiercely. Mr. Potts, who went in search of Mr. Studholme, was severely burnt, and suffered much on Saturday, but the doctors say he is not in immediate danger. November 20. The bush fire at Waimate was raging again last night, and the town was threatened. The insurance losses, as far as can be ascertained, are :—Liverpool, £IOO ; New Zealand, £SO ; Standard, £SO ; Transatlantic, £IOO ;.Union, £250. Hayes’, Maiden Bush, is only a little damaged. He started yesterday with a gang of men to erect a new mill. The fire in the Geraldine bush is still burning, and is gradually approaching tbs township. Matters looked so serious on Tuesday night that the fire brigade and engine were sent for from TemuUa. No correct estimate of the damage can yet be made. The Whittakers, Barkers, Postlethwaites, McKenzies, Martins, and Gibsons have suffered severely, and besides the loss of the Government bush a large quantity of stacked firewood has been consumed.

The high wind yesterday afternoon caused the smouldering fire in the AVahi bush to burst out with renewed force.

A concert on behalf of the sufferers by the Waimate bush fire takes place at Timaru this evening.